Squamish Travel Beta

They say that happiness occurs when reality supersedes your expectations, and all I have to say is YES. SO MUCH YES! Of course, that’s not the only way to achieve happiness, but let me tell you, it’s pretty effective.

My first week in Squamish was quite the pleasant surprise. I was somewhat ambivalent on our way there due to my lackluster experience with bouldering and trad climbing, but I had so much fun that I forgot to write… for about 4 weeks.

So if you haven’t been to Squamish, I would highly recommend adding it to your list. Here’s some travel beta that I picked up along the way.

Before You Leave

Before you leave, check the exchange rate. Right now, the US dollar is stronger than the Canadian dollar. $1 US = $1.31 CA, to be exact. So it’s like everything in the country is 25% off. Do the math. I’m not crazy.

If you’re thinking about buying a rope, or shoes, or a crash pad… or a car, consider waiting to buy it in Canada for cheaper!

Also call your cell phone carrier to ask about International calling and data options. With Sprint, I was able to upgrade to unlimited International data and $0.20/min calls at no extra cost.

With AT&T, my boyfriend was able to add International data and $1/min calls for $30/mo. He just turned off his cellular data and relied on text messages to get around.

If you are able to use your data for relatively cheap, it’s worth noting that you can make free calls via Facebook Messenger and some providers allow free Wi-Fi calls, like Sprint.

So figure out your mode of communication with other members of your party before heading off into the land of maple leaves.

Crossing the Border

If you don’t have time to drive, you shouldn’t have a problem crossing the Canadian border. However, if you decide to drive, there are a few things you should know before crossing.

Make sure you don’t have a criminal record. Canadian border patrol can just say no, and people have been turned away for having marks on their record.

Drug routes run from Mexico up to Canada, so don’t say that you drove up from Mexico unless you want to be searched.

Don’t bring fresh fruits or vegetables, just in case. Canada has grocery stores.

If you plan to bring your furry friend, bring his latest shot records and leave your pet food in its original packaging. If you have a container that you usually pour the food into, save the bag. US Border Patrol will toss all dog food out unless it’s labeled… because Land of the Free.

Canadian Border Patrol will want to know that you’ll be contributing to their economy, so be prepared to show them that you have money to spend in their country. We never had problems with this as we both work remotely, but a few friends who said they were unemployed had to show bank statements to get in.

Blending In

Once you’re in, it’s time to blend in. Here’s what I’ve found is most effective for seamless Canadian assimilation:

Wear flannel

Say “hey” at the end of your questions because “eh” is so yesterday.

Sport the man bun. Bonus points if you shave the sides of your head to accentuate said man ban.

Use the hashtag #ExploreBC

Be extraordinarily polite and say “sore-y” whenever possible

Use Grand Wall balm instead of J-Tree or Climb On

Don’t believe everything you see on the weather channel

What to Climb

Squamish is primarily known for its traditional climbing and bouldering, but you can also find a few sport climbing crags nearby. You can find most routes/problems on Mountain Project, but Squamish has some of the best guidebooks on the market, so I highly recommend buying a book if you’re new to the area.

I spent most of my time in the magical forest with the Grand Wall boulders, but there are many other areas to check out if you like to feel more secluded.

I personally loved the Grand Wall boulders because they were shaded from the sun all day long, protected from the occasional drizzles of rain, and mostly insulated from the hotter/colder temps in the parking lot.

Where to Sleep/Shower

AirBnB

If you don’t want to spend the money on a hotel but don’t want to dirtbag it either, you do have the option of booking an AirBnB for your stay in Squamish. Prices will vary depending on availability, but it’s definitely worth a shot.

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Aicacia – just another girl who loves to climb rocks, eat food, and see new places. As a Registered Dietitian, I really wanted to combine my love of nutrition and climbing, so I created Climb Healthy... Read the full bio [here]